4 years agoBoston Red Sox relief pitcher Matt Barnes (COVID-19) has been cleared to return to the team, according to MLB Network's Joel Sherman. Sherman reports that Barnes was ruled to have a "non-infectious positive" diagnosis for COVID-19, and he has been allowed to return to activities, along with the eight others who were held out due to contact tracing. The only one of the eight close contacts who had been identified was Matt Andriese, who was scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday following Barnes' positive test. Barnes has allowed just two hits and three walks over 5 1/3 scoreless innings this spring, while also striking out eight in that span. It appears he will be ready to go as the Opening Day closer in Boston.--Michael Grennell - RotoBaller
Source: Joel Sherman